On November 18, 2025, Arborea hosted a field workshop dedicated to the FIA (Forested Infiltration Area) system, a nature-based solution implemented in 2023. The event, organised by UNISS and UNICA with the support of the Producers’ Cooperative of Arborea, drew strong and active participation from local farmers and livestock producers, alongside technical experts and public authorities.
Farmers played a key role throughout the day: under the guidance of the NATMed team, they toured the FIA site, examined the infiltration trenches along the poplar and eucalyptus row first-hand, and engaged directly with researchers of UNISS and UNICA to discuss the system’s characteristics and performance, including an 80% reduction in nitrates reaching groundwater. Informative posters, specially prepared for the event and displayed along the route helped to illustrate the FIA components, objectives and results, and stimulate interactive discussions. Conversations on site highlighted the keen interest of many farmers in adopting similar solutions on their own land, particularly if supported by regional incentive schemes.
The workshop fostered constructive dialogue with farmers, local authorities and agronomists, underscoring the promising opportunities offered by the SARNITRO project (funded by the Sardinia Region) to scale up the FIA system by leveraging existing eucalyptus rows across the territory. Participants expressed strong appreciation for the event and a clear willingness to take part in future knowledge-sharing and training activities.